Shortage of cold & flu medicines: Here are some proven home remedies to try

As the name suggests, the common cold is undoubtedly the most common human disease that affects people of different backgrounds across the world. The viruses that cause the common cold and flu often thrive in cold weather, thus the spike in illnesses during autumn and winter months. It’s why the current shortage of drugs for these infections is of high concern to many. Because these are old and common diseases, many cultures have home remedies that help treat their symptoms.

Consume warm liquids

There’s a reason why chicken soup is associated with healing or comfort. According to Healthline, although it may not be a treatment in and of itself, hot liquids like chicken soup have the ability to soothe symptoms of cold by slowing the movement of a type of white blood cell known as neutrophils. The article explains how this works:

Neutrophils are a common type of white blood cell. They help protect your body from infection. When they’re moving slowly, they stay more concentrated in the areas of your body that require the most healing.

This applies to other warm liquids such as tea or warm apple juice. The warmth from drinking these liquids might ease congestion by increasing the flow of mucus, Mayo Clinic states.

Honey

A common pantry item that many cultures use as a remedy for the cold is honey. Adding this to hot tea with a some lemon juice can help relieve sore throat pain. Healthline suggests that honey’s soothing quality is due to the variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties it possesses. However, experts caution against giving honey to children less than year old as it contains a chemical that infants’ immune systems cannot fight.

Common spices

Ginger and garlic are common ingredients in many dishes, but they also provide some relief for cold and flu. According to Healthline, some research show that adding a garlic supplement to your diet might reduce the severity of cold symptoms. The article also points to scientific evidence to support the claims of the curative properties of ginger.

A few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water may help soothe a cough or sore throat. Research suggests that it can also ward off the feelings of nausea that so often accompany the flu.

Sources used:

Healthline: 11 Cold and Flu Home Remedies

Mayo Clinic: Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

The Guardian: Shortage of cold medicines in UK is government’s fault, say pharmacists